Wiggy Bags?

[TeeDee]

Thanks, guys. So it sounds like the positives are: very durable, not effected very much by moisture, and apparently at least matches the rated temp spec for the average Joe? I think we should take into consideration that these positives can not necesarily all be claimed by other synthetic bags which are lighter (sp?) for he same temp spec. For example, my Cat's Meow Endurance 15* at just over 3 lbs. ( Regular Cat's Meow 20*). I don't believe I could be comfortable at 15* in this bag, even in a tent wth plenty of fleece clothing on and a thick thermarest under me. Under the stars, with pads and fleece top/bottom/hat, I was just a bit cold at 27*. And the bag was almost brand new, before it lost some loft. Now there are, as we know, many variables affecting how warm different people in different conditions will sleep. But when I check results fr a lot of these bags from online reviews, BGT and otherwise, I see that a lot of other folks think the temp ratings are pretty optimistic, though some find them accurate. But not with Wiggy, where all or vast majority seem to find them warm at least to rated temp, maybe even when wet and after much use/abuse. From what I have read so far, anyway. Which is a lot. So if I save a tad over a pound for a given temp rating, what have I really gined in the long run? Plus, I have spent more money for gear made in China.

And the disadvantages ( apparently the only ones) are those already mentioed re: weight/bulk. To bad he doesn't make a quilt with foot box from this Lamilite stuff. That might not be all that heavier than some of the alternatives, especially if he kept the lamilite but use lighter shell materials. He is obviously not concerned with ultralight.

I plan to talk with Mr. Wiggy this week to clear up exactly what the difference in Polarguard and Lamilite is, though I think I have about figured it out from lots of reading at his web site. Both are continuous sheets of polyester. But I think the Lamilite is denser, siliconized and laminated rather than quilted.

BillyBob58 - anything new on the Wiggys inquiry?

Have you learned anything useful from him or have you made any decision regarding the Wiggy bags?

Everything I've read indicates they are good bags, but that a lot of people don't like Wiggy himself and spend a lot of time on forums trying to bait him into flame wars.

[Just Jeff]

He's VERY confident in his insulation...and not shy about saying so. Be prepared to spend some time on the phone if you call.

In light of TeeDee's comment about people not liking Wiggy, I wanted to clarify what I said above. When I called Wiggy, we talked for about an hour...mostly about his insulation and bags, but also about hammocks, military supply issues, and some other stuff. When I said be prepared to spend some time on the phone, I didn't mean that he just likes to talk about his products...I got a lot of good information on several topics from that phone call. AND he likes to talk about his stuff!

[BillyBob58]

TeeDee,
I have found a lot of user raves over at http://www.pristineventures.com/cgi/.../board.pl?b=cc
which is a site dedicated mainly to hunting in Alaska. I have been posting there and at some other sites as WindRiverMan. You might want to check it out. Just do a search on Wiggy, and you will find plenty to read! Often with lots of heat, and not from the sleeping bags.


At this site, a guy named Marc Taylor posts often, he is owner of Wiggys-Alaska. Also, many other users of Wiggy's stuff post here. There is another site I don't have a link for right now, I think it's Alaska outdoors, where a lot of Wiggy related debate goes on. I'll try to get the link. Wiggy is big in Alaska!

There is no doubt consistent customer loyalty. Though a few folks at these sites don't like what they call the heavy Wiggy bags, it seems like the owners ( who often have owned many of the "name" brand bags ) are at least 10-1 fiercly(SP?) loyal. Some of the testimonials are amazing.

[Jonas4321]

I needed a new winter bag for a trip this past February and am a die-hard hammock camper. I have a Stephenson's Warmlite down air mattress (DAM) and a home-brew Speer SPE-type thingie with 3 wings on each side. I use a top-loading home-made Speer-type hammock.

I went with the Wiggys -20 Ultima Thule based on recommendations from fellow Scout leaders. I also got the large compression sack and the booties.

The reasons the recommenders gave are warmth, durability, the lifetime guarantee, and the fact that it breathes body moisture out of the bag. They tell tales of waking up warm with the outside of the bag covered in frost from perspiration that went right through the insulation and froze, yet they remained extremely comfortable even at -20. I perspire a great deal and knew I'd never be able to make it with a down bag. Since I needed a synthetic bag, the Wiggys bag was my first choice.

There are no baffles on a Wiggys bag. The insulation is continuous and permanently placed between the inner and outer nylon shell parts. It's a little weird looking at first. It's guaranteed to never separate or shift.

This is not a lightweight bag, period (I weighed it on the scale at work at about 6.5 pounds). It is very hard to get into the compression sack with mittens on (which is a requirement for me when camping in really cold weather). Those are the two drawbacks, but they are pretty big ones.

The bag really keeps me warm, however. I was overheating at 10 degrees (we were snowshoeing in and I did not know what to expect, so I took the arsenal). I would not have needed this bag at those temps.

If I had this to do all over again, I would still buy the Ultima Thule, but I would have had him make a custom bag with the zipper up the middle instead of the side. It is a very lofty bag and I get inside my bags in cold weather. The zipper up the middle would make it really easy to get into. He charges something like $50 extra for that customization.

I will be replacing my +20 EMS bag with a Wiggys bag sometime after I pay off the recent repairs on my two cars, and I WILL order that one with the zipper up the middle. I am sold on his concept, his materials and his commitment to quality.

I hope this helps.

Dave (Jonas)

[BillyBob58]

Thanks, Dave, that is very useful input. And it similar to what I have seen from most other owners. Though the bag is heavy, it seems you could have easily gotten by with a lighter Wiggys bag at the temps you encountered. Of course, that's always the trick with any bag, isn't it? When it comes time to purchase just one bag to cover a multitude of possible temps, including the lowest possible temp you might encounter. Wiggy does have his overbag system, but I'm not sure if that would be even less ( or possibly more) weight eficient.

What is the advantage you see with the custom zipper?
Bill

[Jonas4321]

As I mentioned, the Wiggy's bag is extremely lofty, so when you are inside of it, there ain't much dead airspace. I only spent 2 nights in the bag, but found it more difficult to get in and zip up with the zipper along the side. I had to keep the head end flat (not rotate it so the zipper was more on top than on the side) because the hood is an integral part of the bag (not removable like my EMS Trailside 25). Using the hood drawn up around my head is essential to my staying warm below around 10 degrees F, so I had to leave it flat.

With the zipper along the side, it was tough to zip the bag all the way up. It was comfortably roomy once I did, but it was more of a struggle than I'd like.

I get inside my bag at cold temps, I know many people use them like quilts, but I get inside my 25 degree EMS bag if it goes below 45 at night, and certainly intend to be inside the Wiggy's bag if it's below 25 or so.

With the zipper up the middle, it'd be MUCH easier to get in and zip up, while keeping the hood properly positioned for optimal use. I really wish I had ordered it that way.

I did get the "Regular Wide" Ultima Thule, as I am not a narrow guy (205 lbs at 5' 9'').

Jonas

ps- if you want a very opinionated conversation about insulation and fabrics, call Jerry at Wiggy's. He's a hoot. He quotes regularly from Ayn Rand's books, so I'm a fan just based on that.

[BillyBob58]

Here is that other link I mentioned, where a lot of Wiggy debate ( mostly pro Wiggy ) has taken place.

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/...Wiggy+sleeping